Parenting

Insects from acorns? How to store acorns and protect them from insects

In the fall, acorns are falling and they are so cute that we end up picking them up, or they are in our children’s pockets, and nowadays some people use them for DIY, but even if they don’t have holes in them, after a while they get bugs! I would like to share with you a very frightening experience I had when I left my child’s collected acorns in the car or stroller.

First, if you pick up acorns

Make sure your acorns are free of holes and cracks! Poach any holes or cracks as soon as you find them. There is a possibility of insects.

What kind of insect is it in the first place?

There are many types of insects in acorns, but the most common are weevil larvae. Adult weevils lay their invisible eggs while the acorns are still green. The adult weevil then feeds on the flesh inside the acorns and emerges healthy and vigorous.

Acorn Processing and Storage

Preservation Method (1) Freeze

The bottom line is that as long as you don’t get bugs inside, it’s fine, so freeze the acorns and let them freeze to a crisp over a period of two days.

Preservation Method (2) Boil in a pot

It takes about 5 minutes to put acorns in boiling water. After boiling, it is best to dry them thoroughly in the shade. Be careful not to boil the acorns for too long or the skin will expand and tear.

Preservation Method (3) Microwave

Simply microwave them, but be careful not to overdo it, as they will pop like ginkgo nuts, for example.

summary

As with all methods, after treatment, dry the acorns thoroughly to prevent mold and play with them.

ABOUT ME
momo
The truth is, I am Japanese. Original writers vary. But I'm proud of many useful articles, so I've managed to make them into English articles using DeepL translation. I'm sorry for the difficult-to-understand English. Please refer to it if you like!